11 replies to this topic

[NatureLady]

We spotted this bird near Van Horn, TX in Western TX. The first thing we noticed was how short the bill is and how small the bird was. about 8-9 inches. just thought it was a little strange because that is its winter range.

Edited by NatureLady, 24 May 2012 - 04:00 PM.

[Liam]

Where was this? The yellow flange makes this a young bird, but the bill seems a bit long/decurved for Sage. I was thinking Bendire's with the slightly decurved, black-tipped bill.

[NatureLady]

Where was this? The yellow flange makes this a young bird, but the bill seems a bit long/decurved for Sage. I was thinking Bendire's with the slightly decurved, black-tipped bill.

just edited first post with location

[psweet]

Juvenile Curve-billed Thrasher. Telling them from Bendire's is pretty hard, but in this case Bendire's is out of range. (I've seen two birds I think were Bendire's -- but always at a good time for juve Curve-billed's, so I still don't count Bendire's. )

[NatureLady]

Isn't the bill too short for Curve-billed?

[NatureLady]

also isn't the overall color wrong for curve-billed?

[Ospr3y]

also isn't the overall color wrong for curve-billed?

Juveniles are often more drab than adult birds.

[psweet]

The bill seems too short because it's a juvenile -- that's one of the reasons that Bendire's/juve Curve-billed is so difficult. Kenn Kaufmann has a wonderful treatment of Bendire's and Curve-billed in "Advanced Birding".

[NatureLady]

Ok thanks

[PoorMatty]

Juvie Curve-billed for me too.

[GreatHorn]

"Ospr3y," what bird is that in your signature? It looks like it can fly really fast.

[Ospr3y]

It's a Rainbowus dashus, capable of reaching supersonic speeds and initiating the Sonic Rainboom.